ʻIolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States. The last king of Hawaii was David Kalakaua, who ruled the kingdom in the late nineteenth century. Hawaii became an American territory in 1900 and, almost 60 years later, was declared the 50th American state.

Amman's Children's Museum is surprisingly delightful. There are plenty of interactive exhibits allowing the young ones to get a hands-on approach to learning about the world, from the inner workings of the human digestive system to the mechanics of a car. Adults will enjoy continuing on to the Royal Automobile Museum next door.

The Bastide Saint Louis is the heart of Carcasonne, built in 1260, to a checkerboard layout around the Place Carnot and its colourful market. Wandering in rich southern French charm, you will see beautiful religious buildings like Church Saint Vincent, private mansions as well as restful parks and gardens. Among top attractions is the Gothic-styled Saint-Michel Cathedral, which features a wealth of objects of worship and art work.

Hanauma Bay is a marine nature reserve and one of Oahu’s most iconic snorkeling destinations. Glide through its crystal-clear waters to encounter shimmering schools of silver fish, vibrant parrotfish, and even curious sea turtles that might swim right up to you. As a protected marine-life conservation district, the bay is a haven for biodiversity, but its popularity also poses a challenge. The delicate ecosystem faces ongoing threats from the very visitors who come to admire its beauty, making responsible tourism essential for its preservation.